Polly Butler Cornelius, soprano, performed in Italy this summer. She and Dr. Victoria Fischer Faw, pianist, presented a recital entitled "Songs by American Composers." The program featured vocal and piano compositions by Stephen Paulus, Amy Beach, Libby Larsen, Scott Joplin, George Gershwin and Carlisle Floyd. After working with an opera conductor in Rome, they presented their recital at the Universitatá per Stranieri (University for Foreigners) in Perugia on June 5. The two artists are on the faculty at Elon University where they teach in the music department. Cornelius is a candidate for the Doctoral of Musical Arts degree at UNC-Greensboro.

"Two songs in English with cello obbligato, “The Lover’s Appeal’ and ‘A Farewell’ sung with beauty by Polly Cornelius."
--Review of Piatti: Cello Pieces American Record Guide Nov/Dec 2007.

"Soprano Polly Cornelius also had a focused and ethereal instrument, while possessing a simmering inner passion; this was most distinguishable in 'Come Unto Him, All Ye that Labor.' (Handel’s Messiah in War Memorial Auditorium)" 
--Robert Waters of The News and Record.

"Polly Cornelius, soprano, is a singer much admired from here to Greensboro and beyond. She was uniformly excellent as handmaid, angel and in other roles. (Arthur Honeggar’s Le Roi David in the Duke Chapel)"
--John W. Lambert of Classical Voice of North Carolina

"Polly Butler Cornelius is a soprano who can hit the high notes with the best of them, and does from first act to last. She also acts with equal skill the juicy roles of the flustered maid “Adele” and the mysterious grand dame. (Strauss’ Die Fledermaus Greensboro Opera Company)"
--Abe D. Jones, former arts editor of the News & Record

"Polly Butler gave stature to the role of 'Barbarina'”
--Opera News